Sadness 

by "AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
Published 08/09/2017 at 02:09

Tags: Nottheanswertoday ; Convertible discrimination
STARS: 0

I was 90% through registering for my first RallyCross event—a big labor day weekend special—when I saw the small print. “Convertibles allowed ONLY with factory hardtop. No exceptions”. SCCA approved rollbar is good enough for drifting, autox and track days... But not for the much slower-paced RallyCross. Oh. Of course.

This would make perfect sense if there were—I don’t know—massive jumps and banked turns everywhere. But no. It’s not a rally stage, or even rallysprint. It’s literally your standard autox.... But with dirt. Here’s an excerpt from the organization putting on the event-

“A SCCA RallyCross is a test of driving skill on a temporary unpaved competition course marked by cones. We find an agreeable field owner, lay out a circuit less than a mile long, and take turns trying to set the lowest times”

New plan for labor day weekend is to do the usual forest service roads mountain climb, and maybe camp out too. That would let me finally try out some night runs. If I can’t pay to compete on a farmers field, I’ll just have to settle for ripping it up on the side of a mountain with the wind in my hair

Replies (16)

"Flavien Vidal" (flyingfrenchy)
08/09/2017 at 02:23, STARS: 2

Well... If you REALLY need a hardtop, I can sell you this one to replace if you want :D

No rollcage, but it already has a LSD ;)

"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
08/09/2017 at 02:28, STARS: 0

Oooooh RHD Miata... Tempting

"Flavien Vidal" (flyingfrenchy)
08/09/2017 at 02:33, STARS: 0

$5000 landed to Tacoma ;)

I already know a broker that does a good job there and to go to Tacoma it takes only 17 days at sea on average... Just saying... :D

Only little problem with it: it has to arrive after october 5th which will be its 25th birthday.

"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
08/09/2017 at 06:50, STARS: 1

I assume it’s because the risk of rollover is actually much higher in rallycross (trust me). I still think it’s silly, because the hardtop doesn’t do squat in a rollover, but it’s probably mandated by the SCCA’s insurance company.

The group I run with allows soft tops to run. There’s always a Miata or three there. We also run right next to and through trees, whereas the SCCA won’t let you within 50' of a treee.

"random001" (random001)
08/09/2017 at 06:59, STARS: 0

Well, damn, I guess the 500c is out, too...

"FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com" (alphaass)
08/09/2017 at 07:41, STARS: 0

Weird. The RallyCross I went to last month allowed Miata’s with roll cages and there was an NC that showed up with one.

"vdub_nut: scooter snob" (jollyroger1210)
08/09/2017 at 10:28, STARS: 0

The 25 year rule is only for cars that weren’t also sold here.

"Flavien Vidal" (flyingfrenchy)
08/09/2017 at 10:32, STARS: 0

Cars that are noticeably different from cars sold in the US... Changing the steering from left to right is considered as noticeably different. Mazda “Roadsters” aren’t importable in the US. They are also a few HP more powerful and came in version never sold in the US...

"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
08/09/2017 at 10:46, STARS: 1

I was talking to an event organizer and he said it was because of the risk of catching a rut mid-turn, which makes sense I guess. Currently running super stiff spring rates with secondary helper springs and low ride height, so maybe it’s for the best!

Your group sounds fun

"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
08/09/2017 at 10:48, STARS: 0

Jealous! I saw a Miata the other day at pacific raceways without a hard top OR rollbar... I guess sometimes people are more lax with the rules..?

"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
08/09/2017 at 10:48, STARS: 1

There’s always a rental Mustang

"TheTurbochargedSquirrel" (thatsquirrel)
08/09/2017 at 10:49, STARS: 1

The concern at a rallycross is about items entering the cockpit in the event of a roll. That’s also why windows and sunroofs must be closed.

"CKeffer" (KefferCameron)
08/09/2017 at 11:09, STARS: 1

That’s a damn shame, cause Rallycross in a Miata is ludicrous amounts of fun. The group I ran with here in TX really didn’t seem to care one way or another, but it’s also a much smaller organization so that likely has a lot to do with it.

"FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com" (alphaass)
08/09/2017 at 11:35, STARS: 0

This is the car - full cage not just a roll bar... but...

...I think this ND was totally stock...

I guess it really does depend who runs them. This one was not SCCA, though there were some SCCA legal cars there. One of the two people that runs this one is a former SCCA driver of the year and has run Pike’s Peak and Rally Mexico, so I trust their judgement on what is safe. These were the rules:

Vehicle/Driver Safety –
a. Driver’s window may not be down more than 2 during course runs unless it is equipped with a window net and/or arm restraints. This also applies to any passengers in the car.
b. Drivers and passengers are required to wear seat belts during course runs.
c. Roll cages are not required, but if installed it is recommended they be built according to stage rally rules.
d. Helmets must be worn by all drivers and passengers during competition.
e. In order to participate at night or in low light events, adequate forward lighting will be required.
f. All cameras in car must be securely fastened to the car.

Tech – A safety inspection will be required for each vehicle entered in the event. Tech inspection will check to verify that there are no loose items in or outside the vehicle, battery must be secure, no fluid leaks that could cause a fire or environmental hazards. Lug nuts are tight, brakes must have sufficient fluid in the master cylinder and no apparent hydraulic leaks and shall be operational at all four wheels and seat belts need to be in good working condition. If already paid a refund will be provided if a car fails the safety inspection. All helmets meeting the latest or two immediately preceding Snell Foundation standards (SA2010, SAH2010, SA2005, SA2000, M2010, M2005, M2000, K2010, K2005, K98), SFI standards 31.1, 41.1, 31.1A, 31.2A, 41.1A, 41.2A or British spec BS6658-85 type A/FR are acceptable.

"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
08/09/2017 at 19:43, STARS: 0

Sounds about right. I’ve seen it happen, it goes wrong fast.

It is a fun group. I love running with them.

"Stef Schrader" (stefschrader)
08/12/2017 at 02:39, STARS: 0

Yeeeeeeeah. Lone Star Rallycross runs an open rulebook specifically to avoid things like this that the SCCA doesn’t allow, but they’re OK with.

I think the SCCA may be erring on the side of caution with rollovers being more common in rallycross. It’s slower, but there’s more of a chance that a wheel will dig into the soil in acts of sweet oppo and flip the car.

But that’s kinda in the name of a rollbar, innit? Like, this is the situation the rollbar exists to protect you from? I kinda think if it’s OK for higher-speed stuff that would be a much scarier roll, it should be fine for a rallycross where other road cars run sans cage entirely, but that’s just me and I don’t make the rules.